How to become a notary in Nebraska
Eligibility, an exam, a $15,000 bond, fees and the oath, in the order you'll do them — from the Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division.
Step by step
- Check that you qualify — 19+, Nebraska resident, or resident of a bordering state who has a regular place of work or business in Nebraska; U.S. citizen or qualified alien; no felony conviction (unless fully pardoned) and no conviction for a crime involving fraud or dishonesty in the previous 5 years.
- Pass the notary exam — Free online state exam (ClassMarker, linked from the SOS): 20 questions, 85% to pass, 3 attempts total (failing all 3 makes you permanently ineligible); passing certificate valid 90 days and uploaded with the application. Not required for on-time renewals.
- Buy a $15,000 surety bond — $15,000 notary surety bond from an insurance agent or online provider (the SOS does not sell bonds); issued in your commission name with your home address; signed twice, as principal and again before another notary when taking the oath; uploaded with the online application.
- Apply to the Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division — Pay the $30 state fee. Other fees: No separate bond filing fee since 2021; name change on commission $30; replacement commission certificate $10; Online Notary registration $50.
- Take the oath and file it — Oath of office is on the bond form: sign it before another notary public, then upload the bond with the online application. No county filing.
- Get your seal and journal — Seal: Required: ink stamp seal engraved with 'State of Nebraska', 'General Notary' (or 'General Notarial'), your commissioned name and the commission expiration date; order it after downloading your commission certificate. Journal: Recommended (required for online and electronic notarial acts).
Notary packages & supplies
- National Notary Association — state packages: bond, seal, journal and any required training
- Notaries.com — lower-cost state packages with bond, stamp and supplies
Bond, stamp and journal in one order; check that the package matches Nebraska's rules. Some links may be affiliate links.
Nebraska notary requirements
| Commissioned by | Nebraska Secretary of State, Notary Division |
| Who can apply | 19+ · Nebraska resident, or resident of a bordering state who has a regular place of work or business in Nebraska |
| Course | Not required No mandatory course for a traditional commission; study the notary statutes, FAQ and rules on the Secretary of State site before the exam. A separate SOS training course is required only for Online Notary registration. |
| Exam | Required Free online state exam (ClassMarker, linked from the SOS): 20 questions, 85% to pass, 3 attempts total (failing all 3 makes you permanently ineligible); passing certificate valid 90 days and uploaded with the application. Not required for on-time renewals. |
| State fee | $30 |
| Other fees | No separate bond filing fee since 2021; name change on commission $30; replacement commission certificate $10; Online Notary registration $50 |
| Surety bond | $15,000 $15,000 notary surety bond from an insurance agent or online provider (the SOS does not sell bonds); issued in your commission name with your home address; signed twice, as principal and again before another notary when taking the oath; uploaded with the online application |
| E&O insurance | Optional |
| Background check | None |
| Term | 4 years |
| Oath / filing | Oath of office is on the bond form: sign it before another notary public, then upload the bond with the online application. No county filing. |
| Seal | Required: ink stamp seal engraved with 'State of Nebraska', 'General Notary' (or 'General Notarial'), your commissioned name and the commission expiration date; order it after downloading your commission certificate |
| Journal | Recommended (required for online and electronic notarial acts) |
| Max fee per notarization | $5 per acknowledgment and $5 per certificate and seal (Neb. Rev. Stat. 33-133), plus statutory mileage; online notaries may add up to $25 per online notarial act |
| Remote online notary | Allowed Separate Online Notary Public registration on top of a commission: SOS online training course + 20-question exam (85%), $50 fee, approved online notary solution provider, journal and recordings required. In-person Electronic Notary is a separate registration. |
| Renewal | Renew online in the notary portal no earlier than 30 days before expiration: new or updated $15,000 bond + $30 fee; no exam. If the commission has expired you must apply as new (exam again). |
All filings are online at business.nebraska.gov since Nov 20, 2023; paper applications are no longer accepted. You may not notarize for parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, spouse or siblings (including in-law, step and half relatives).
Sources: Nebraska SOS - Notary Public · Steps to Obtain an Initial Notary Commission · Steps to Renew a Notary Commission · Steps to Become an Online Notary · Nebraska SOS - Notary FAQ. Checked 2026-10.
Earn more as a loan signing agent
Many notaries add mortgage closings: title and escrow companies pay signing agents per loan package. It needs a notary commission plus signing-agent training and a background screening.
- Loan Signing System — loan signing agent training to earn from mortgage closings ($347)
- NNA Notary Signing Agent certification — the certification and background screening title companies ask for
- Notaries.com signing agent course — budget signing agent course ($109)
Some links may be affiliate links.
Get a Nebraska notary checklist and renewal reminder
A printable checklist of every step and an email before your commission expires. Free.
Notary course and exam rules across the US
Other Nebraska licenses
Life & Health insurance license · Property & Casualty insurance license · Adjuster insurance license · All Nebraska insurance licenses · Mortgage loan officer (MLO) license
Questions
How much does it cost to become a notary in Nebraska?
The state fee is $30, plus No separate bond filing fee since 2021; name change on commission $30; replacement commission certificate $10; Online Notary registration $50. Add the premium for the $15,000 bond, a seal and a journal.
How long does it take to become a notary in Nebraska?
Usually a few weeks from application to commission, plus the time for the course and exam.
Do I need to take a class or exam to be a notary in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires an exam, a $15,000 bond.
How much can a notary charge in Nebraska?
$5 per acknowledgment and $5 per certificate and seal (Neb. Rev. Stat. 33-133), plus statutory mileage; online notaries may add up to $25 per online notarial act.
Can I be an online notary in Nebraska?
Yes. Separate Online Notary Public registration on top of a commission: SOS online training course + 20-question exam (85%), $50 fee, approved online notary solution provider, journal and recordings required. In-person Electronic Notary is a separate registration.